Tag Archive for: Carstensz Pyramid

Another Carstensz Pyramid team has arrived in Bali!

The team together in Bali awaiting their flight to Timika.

Another Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team has gathered together in Bali! It’s been a leisurely start to the expedition relaxing and swimming in the sunshine at our beachfront hotel. Now the team is in Timika awaiting their helicopter flight to the Yellow Valley Base Camp! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this inaugural dispatch from Bali:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition – today is November 11th.

Late last night, our team arrived here in Bali. We spent last night and all of today relaxing in our beachfront hotel in Sanur (0m/oft.) It was a really nice day, sunny weather, went for swimming in the pool and went for some nice runs along the waterfront. And then an hour ago, we came to the domestic airport here in Denpasar (4m/13ft) and we’re about to board our flight to Timika (31m/103ft) over on the island of New Guinea in Indonesian province of West Papua.

So we’re excited to get this expedition underway! We’ll land in Timika and then wait for our helicopter flight up to Yellow Valley Base Camp at the foot of the highest peak in Oceania.

Everything’s going well so far, and we’ll be in touch tomorrow from New Guinea!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Successful summits of Carstensz Pyramid on three straight days!

The final Madison Mountaineering team on the summit of Carstensz Pyramid!

Back to back to back! The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team successfully reached the summit on three straight days. Each member of the team topped out on the highest peak in Oceania, one of the famed seven summits! Challenging logistics caused the team to have to climb on different occasions, but couldn’t stop them from having a great time, reaching the summit, and coming home safely! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this final dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition.

Today is October 22nd and we have concluded our climbs. All six climbers made the summit, along with myself and some of our local guide friends. Over the course of three days, we climbed over three days because of the helicopter schedules and acclimatization, so three different summit days. Everyone made the summit between the three days! A special congrats to Art Muir, who became the oldest person to climb Carstensz Pyramid and finish the seven summits at age 79 and a half. Way to go Art!

So now we’re just waiting for helicopters here at Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp (4285m/14,050ft). Hopefully we’ll get to fly down to Timika (31m/103ft) soon and back to Bali and homeward bound. Fingers crossed!

The team back together in the Yellow Valley Base Camp.

The team back together in the Yellow Valley Base Camp.

Crossing the airy Tyrolean Traverse high on Carstensz.

Crossing the airy Tyrolean Traverse high on Carstensz.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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More summits on Carstensz Pyramid!

Art, Kristin, and Garrett on the summit!

It comes with great excitement to share that another Madison Mountaineering team has successfully reached the summit of Carstensz Pyramid – the second team in two days! This time, the team included expedition leader, Garrett Madison along with climbers, Art Muir and Kristin Harila. It’s been a memorable expedition so far, and we’re not done yet! With good weather ahead, a third team plans to go for the summit tomorrow. More updates to come from the highest peak in Oceania! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition.

Today is October 21st and we had our second group of summiteers on Carstensz Pyramid with myself, it was Art Muir who became the oldest we believe to summit Carstensz Pyramid at age 79 and a half and to complete the seven summits – congratulations, Art! Also Kristin Harila of 14 8,000-meter peaks speed record fame. So, a wonderful climb today along with local Indonesian guide [Pexi?]. Great views from the top and looking forward to another climb tonight with Kevin Walsh and Kevin Downs! So, fingers crossed for good weather.

We’re having a good season so far here on Carstensz Pyramid and we’ll check in soon!

Clear skies and a beautiful sunrise while climbing Carstensz Pyramid!

Clear skies and a beautiful sunrise while climbing Carstensz Pyramid!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Summit Success on Carstensz Pyramid!

Summit photo atop Carstensz Pyramid!

Exciting news from Papua New Guinea! The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team successfully reached the summit of the highest peak on the continent and have safely returned back down to their base camp. More members of our team will fly into camp shortly, and with good weather, will be making their summit attempt soon! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this celebratory dispatch from the Yellow Valley Base Camp at the foot of Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Garrett checking in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition.

Today, October 20th, our first team summited! Myself with David Concannon and Chris Lind, along with local guide, Viri summited Carstensz Pyramid at 7:00 AM. We were the only ones up there, beautiful, sunny weather! We’re back in base camp (4285m/14,050ft) here with some of our other members. Hopefully, our last two members will fly in tomorrow by helicopter and the second wave of our team can go for the summit in a few days time! Fingers crossed for bluebird skies.

All is well here in Papua New Guinea on Carstensz Pyramid!

Climbing fixed-lines in the early morning hours on October 20.

Climbing fixed-lines in the early morning hours on October 20.

Crossing the famous Tyrolean Traverse on Carstensz Pyramid!

Crossing the famous Tyrolean Traverse on Carstensz Pyramid!

Our team on the summit!

Our team on the summit!

High on the mountain with our base camp far below.

High on the mountain with our base camp far below.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Carstensz climb comes to a close!

Our Carstensz Pyramid expedition has come to a close! That marks the second successful climb in 2025, with two more climbs scheduled later this year. Today, the team flew back to Bali where they’ll spend one last night before saying their goodbye’s and heading back home, with good memories from their time on the highest peak in Oceania. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this closing dispatch for this Carstensz climb:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) private climb – today is March 12th!

Yesterday morning we woke up to starry skies a little bit before dawn in Yellow Valley Base Camp (4285m/14,050ft) up at Carstensz Pyramid. By a little after 6:00 helicopters were landing in base camp, so we caught a really scenic flight over the mine and down across the forests of West Papua and back to Timika (31m/103ft)! When we arrived here, it was a bit too late for flights back to Bali (4m/13ft), so we spent one last night in our really pleasant hotel here in Timika and this morning we’re getting ready to catch out flight back to Denpasar and the beaches of Bali.

So, all in all it’s been a really great trip and successful summit. I’m looking forward to coming back again! So, this will be the last dispatch of this trip.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Waiting out the weather

Final steps to the summit! (Photo by Terray Sylvester)

The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team spent the day relaxing in base camp and recounting good memories from the day prior up on the mountain. While the team hoped that they’d be able to fly back to Timika today, some clouds prevented helicopters from flying. But, that didn’t stop them from soaking in the sunshine and making the most of their time as the expedition nears its end. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) private climb – today is March 10th.

Today we hoped to fly by helicopter back to Timika (31m/103ft). But, although the morning was sunny, a few clouds lower in the valley prevented helicopters from getting through. So instead,  we spent a peaceful day here in base camp (4285m/14,050ft) and we will try again tomorrow.

So all is well and we’ll be in touch!

Flying to base camp (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Flying to base camp (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Scott, climbing the systems of ledges that leads to Carstensz’ summit ridge (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Our climber, Scott, climbing the systems of ledges that leads to Carstensz’ summit ridge (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Gaining the summit ridge at about 15,500’ (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Gaining the summit ridge at about 15,500’ (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The famous cable crossing (photo by Terray Sylvester)

The famous cable crossing (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Negotiating the ridge (photo by Terray Sylvester)

Negotiating the ridge (photo by Terray Sylvester)

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Another successful climb on Carstensz Pyramid!

Summit photo atop Carstensz Pyramid!

It comes with great excitement to share that another Madison Mountaineering team has successfully reached the summit of Carstensz Pyramid! This marks the last of the ‘seven summits‘ for our climber, Scott, and the last of our climbs on the highest peak in Oceania for the current season. A huge congratulations goes out to our team who enjoyed excellent weather for the their time on the mountain, making great time up the route as they navigated engaging terrain on their way to the summit. Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this celebratory dispatch following their summit on Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) private climb – today is March 9.

Today we summited Carstensz Pyramid, the highest point in Oceania and one of the ‘seven summits‘, depending on how you count. It was a fantastic climb! We left camp a little after 3:30 and stood on the summit around 7:00. It was a quick climb and excellent conditions! There was a high overcast which kept things cool as we came down, but the rock was dry and the route was in great shape. It was really spectacular moving up the fun and varied terrain that takes you up the series of ledges and steep sections up to the summit ridge, and then across the famous cable crossing, and then along the ridge winding around towers with a few crack step overs, and onto the summit!

We dropped back down in time for lunch and just had a nice meal of potato-beef soup, fresh greens, curried chicken, and rice! So, now we’re heading to bed and we’re looking forward to hopefully, hopefully flying out tomorrow depending on the weather.

Okay, yeah! Great news and the last element of this is that this was the final one of the ‘seven summits‘ for our guest, Scott! So, it was great to be able to join him for that milestone.

All is well here in West Papua and we’ll be in touch!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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From the Yellow Valley Base Camp on Carstensz Pyramid!

Our team's heli arriving in Timika.

The second of the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition teams arrived in their base camp, filled with energy and excitement after a short delay in Timika while awaiting their flight to the mountain.  Once settled into their tents, the team laced up their shoes and took to the route, making a trip up the lower section of the mountain which they plan to repeat again in the near future, only this time on the way to the summit. The weather for our arrival on the mountain was magnificent, offering unobstructed views from the air and once we touched down on the helipad in our temporary home. With more good weather in the forecast, the team looks forward to making their summit push! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) private climb – today is March 8.

This morning we woke up at 4:45, caught a ride from our hotel in Timika (31m/103ft) at 5:30, and a couple hours later we were on a helicopter en route to Carstensz Pyramid Base Camp (4285m/14,050ft)! It was a beautiful day for the flight, clear skies as we flew with excellent views of the rainforest and the canyons, the spectacular canyons beneath Carstensz Pyramid with towering waterfalls and amazing cliffs. Anyway, we came in over the mine and then landed here at base camp in the Yellow Valley.

We got settled into our tents and then we went for a foray up the beginning of the climbing route. We went as high as the second terrace. The route follows a system of ledges up to the summit ridge, and we went up to the second one of those ledges. It was really fun climbing, very textured limestone, lots of handholds and footholds. Since the weather has stayed good, we had great views of the surrounding ridge lines and peaks.

So now we’ve had lunch! It was really nice – some sautéed vegetables, rice, and prawns. And, we’re relaxing until this evening! We are trying to decide weather or not we will go for the summit this evening. But, so far all is well. We’re both feeling great! So most likely, we will make our summit attempt tomorrow morning. So, we will be in touch tomorrow and all is well here in West Papua in Indonesia!

Our climber, Scott, in the air over the rainforest.

Our climber, Scott, in the air over the rainforest.

Follow the Oromana River toward the highest peak in Oceania.

Follow the Oromana River toward the highest peak in Oceania.

Our climber, Scott, getting a taste of the limestone climbing on Carstensz Pyramid.

Our climber, Scott, getting a taste of the limestone climbing on Carstensz Pyramid.

Our climber, Scott, soaking up some Papuan sunshine and good vibes with guide Terray Sylvester.

Our climber, Scott, soaking up some Papuan sunshine and good vibes with guide Terray Sylvester.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Standing by in Timika

Madison Mountaineering guide, Terray Sylvester with our climber, Scott at the hotel in Timika after their flight from Bali!

The Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid expedition team has arrived in Timika and is awaiting their flight to the mountain! There, they’ll settle into the Yellow Valley Base Camp, do some acclimatization, and technical skills review before making their summit push. In the meantime, the team is enjoying lots of oxygen down low, and the luxuries of what feels more like a vacation than a mountaineering expedition at our hotel! Expedition leader, Terray Sylvester checks in with this dispatch from Timika:

Hello! This is Terray calling in for the next Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid  (4884m/16,024ft) expedition – today is March 3rd.

Last night we headed to the airport in Bali and this morning, we arrived in West Papua! Our flights were uneventful, smooth all the way around. We just got settled in at the Ossa de Villa Hotel which is very pleasant here in downtown Timika (31m/103ft). We’re surrounded by tropical plants and the sound of birdsong. So, we’ll get sorted out here and be prepared to fly to the mountain as soon as possible!

All is well here in Indonesia and we’ll be in touch!

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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Expedition wrap-up!

The Madison Mountaineering team on the summit of Carstensz Pyramid on February 27, 2025!

The first of our Carstensz Pyramid expeditions in 2025 has come to a close. Despite a delay getting to the mountain, our team remained patient and were treated with a glorious summit day climbing through the night and emerging above the clouds as they topped out on the highest peak in Oceania! The team is now making their way back to Bali and then onto their homes, with good memories and new friends from the expedition. Congratulations to everyone on the team, and a special shoutout goes out to our climbers, Jeff and Bjarni who successfully completed their ‘seven summits‘ journey! Expedition leader, Garrett Madison checks in with this celebratory dispatch from Carstensz Pyramid:

Hello! This is Garrett calling in for the Madison Mountaineering Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16,024ft) expedition team.

We had a great climb of Carstensz Pyramid! Everybody who stuck with the expedition and made it up to base camp made it to the summit! Congratulations to our team, Robin and Lauren, Daniel, Bjarni and Jeff. Awesome climb, very winter-like conditions up there, and was the last of the ‘seven summits‘ for Bjarni and Robin. Big congrats finishing the ‘seven summits!’

We’ve been delayed a little bit on the flight out of here due to weather and some situation on the mountain. But fortunately, three of our team got off a few days ago and myself, Jeff, and Bjarni are waiting to fly out, hopefully tomorrow. Fingers crossed, hopefully good weather in the forecast!

We’re looking forward to our next Carstensz Pyramid team with Terray starting up here shortly!

The team en route to the summit!

The team en route to the summit!

Crossing an airy traverse on the way to the summit.

Crossing an airy traverse on the way to the summit.

All smiles amongst the clouds!

All smiles amongst the clouds!

Above the clouds and clear visibility of the route to the summit.

Above the clouds and clear visibility of the route to the summit.

Another airy traverse that must be crossed to get to the summit.

Another airy traverse that must be crossed to get to the summit.

Climbers nearing the top!

Climbers nearing the top!

Climbers, Lauren and Robin celebrating the completion of Robin's 'seven summits' journey on top of Carstensz Pyramid! Nice job, Robin.

Climbers, Lauren and Robin celebrating the completion of Robin’s ‘seven summits’ journey on top of Carstensz Pyramid! Nice job, Robin.

Summit!

Summit!

More summit photos.

More summit photos.

A climber crossing one of the traverses en route to the summit.

A climber crossing one of the traverses en route to the summit.

In addition to these expedition dispatches, you can also follow our teams as they make their attempts on the world’s most formidable mountains on:

– Amazon Alexa devices with the Madison Mountaineering Flash Briefing skill:

  • Enable the skill and add to your flash briefing to hear our daily audio expedition updates on select expeditions.  Just say, “Alexa, play my flash briefing.“

– Instagram:

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